Best EDC Flashlight: Better Than Your Android Flashlight App

Are you tired of looking for ways to light up the area in which your outdoor or indoor project takes place? Have you ever found yourself in a situation at night time where you need to see more clearly a forest path or trail? If the answer to these questions is “yes” then you would greatly benefit from owning the best EDC flashlight.

Possessing a portable EDC flashlight is not only great for projects and bushcraft but also for self-defense with its enormous output and strobe mode. This useful pocket device will provide you with a bright beam regardless of the situation you are in. The struggle for having light in a tough environment is over as the solution will sit tightly in your pocket or case.

We created this guide below just to help you select the most appropriate EDC flashlight for your needs. Keep reading and you will also become familiar with some of the specific features that such a gadget has. Our reviews section will shed some light (pun intended) on any questions you might have regarding what the best EDC flashlight is like.

Things to Consider Before Buying

While it may be true that a flashlight has just a body, a bulb and a button that you press and the light comes out, there is more to selecting the best EDC one. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to determine which particular item is worth your money. In the paragraphs below, we will describe some of the most vital features of a typical EDC flashlight hoping to make the reviews section easier to digest.

Portability

Portability is one of the main factors when we talk about EDC stuff. Flashlights are not an exclusion from that principle and this is why the shape, size, and weight all matter to the items on our list.

If your EDC flashlight is too large it will do you no good as you will need to pay too much attention to it. One simply cannot plan their whole outing thinking about where to put the flashlight. Most of them are a little larger than the palm of an adult making them exceptionally easy to tuck away and pull out.

You also want your pocket flashlight to be fairly light so that you can point it and hold it in a certain direction for continuous periods of time. The name of the game is portability and we are going to stick to it.

Luminous Flux

The output of your EDC flashlight can really make a difference depending on the situation. You will notice that the items reviewed in our guide today really have variable max lumens. They start at 120 and go all the way to 600.

The maximum output really matters when you want to see clearly in the distance. That’s useful during nighttime in the woods or when you want to use the flashlight as a self-defense tool. Bright light is rarely a disadvantage except that it drains the battery fairly quickly. The more lumens you have, the better.

Modes

Since we mentioned lumens and output above, it is only fair if we address all the modes a portable flashlight should have. Most devices feature a good number of modes and even the most basic flashlights have at least two of them.

Besides the maximum output mode, you would also get a medium and a low mode. They allow you to save some battery life and use your flashlight for longer when not really needing a very bright beam. As you walk on a trail at night or work on a project, you will likely enjoy having a medium mode with just the sufficient amount of light.

Some “special” modes may include Strobe mode and “moonlight” mode. The former is very helpful when you find yourself in a self-defense situation. The rapid and strong blinking of the device will blind any attacker facing you. Look for a flashlight witch such a mode if you do not plan on using it in the wilderness or during projects but just want to have it in your pocket at all times.

The “moonlight” or “Firefly” mode is very useful when you are about to use the flashlight for longer periods of time. If you get lost or do not know how long you will use your flashlight in the forest then switch to “moonlight” mode and use only 1 or even 0.5 lumens. This will dramatically increase the battery life your flashlight. We are talking about something in the range of 14-15 hours.

Batteries

There are basically 4 main battery types – AAA, AA, Li-ion, and AA lithium batteries. You will notice that all 4 of them are present in the descriptions. More often than not the Li-ion batteries are used to power EDC flashlights because of their longer lifespan.

Furthermore, Li-ion batteries allow for the use of more lumens this giving you a larger maximum output. The only drawback to them is they might end up costing more when looking to replace them.

A battery charger can save you a lot of troubles and you should perhaps look to buy one. We will also give you a quick useful tip here: try to buy EDC devices which use the same type of batteries. This will allow you to always have a backup plan and will make charging all these batteries easier as they can share the same charger.

Additions

EDC flashlights are also about convenience and you should look to make your life easier when carrying one. Look for devices that come with a protective case. These cases can usually be clipped onto your belt as well. Speaking of being clipped, try to buy a flashlight which features a clip as well. You can put it on your hat when working or tuck on the side of your pocket during trail runs.

Lanyard cords are great to have because they not only allow you to strap your flashlight onto your hand but you can also use the cord in an emergency situation to tie something up. Focus and a special lens are also great additions to the functionality of an EDC flashlight even though they are not as crucial when venturing the wildlife.

If a flashlight is shock resistant and waterproof then this is a sure sign it is meant to function in tougher conditions. You are not to constantly put it to a test as you will surely damage it but you can rest assured that if things get tough, you will still be able to enjoy a steady beam of light.

Having a flashlight with a keychain is great to some people. While this is not really something a survivalist will insist on having, it is a nice perk if you want to carry it to school or at work. Have your flashlight on the side of your pants without the need to buy a case especially for it. Bear in mind that all of the aforementioned additions might affect the price of any given EDC flashlight.

Best Products on Today’s Market

We don’t want you to spend any money without being fully informed on what exactly you are buying. Check out these detailed reviews in order to have a better idea about the choices you have on the EDC flashlight market. We understand that such an item is better tested in person at first, but we also hope that our comprehensive reviews will definitely help you narrow down your selection.

The ThruNite Ti3 EDC LED Flashlight is powered by a single AAA battery. The whole aircraft aluminum body of the item is barely bigger than the battery itself. On the frame, you will also find a small pocket clip.

If you need portability in your EDC kit, then this one is definitely for you. Give this little fella a shot and be amazed by how well it can work during a survival or an everyday situation in the yard. The set itself is rather impressive for such a small torch. Comes with a case, instruction manual, and a keychain. Simply a nice added benefit.

A quick tip on our part: you can also wear it on the visor of your hat if you want to look extra cool or simply use the flashlight in a situation that requires both of your hands. The flashlight is also waterproof to about 3 ft. and is impact resistant.

There are 4 modes to use and they are accessed by simply twisting the head: firefly, low, high, strobe. To enter Strobe mode you will need to twist the head 6 consecutive times.

For such a small EDC flashlight, you get plenty of brightness – up to 120 lumens. The small size can somewhat turn out to be problematic if you forget to use the clip often. The flashlight is easy to put away somewhere and lose it. Additionally, people with thicker fingers and larger hands might struggle to handle it.

PROS:

Cheap

Aircraft aluminum body

Exceptionally bright for a small flashlight

4 working modes

Additional parts

CONS:

Too small for large hands

Easy to lose

Related: A decent EDC kit simply needs a good Multi-tool and in this case, you can pair your flashlight with the Gerber Dime Multi-Tool. It accommodates 10 different tools which we simply cannot list here but will mention wire cutter, fine edge blade, and a bottle opener. Be ready for any survival situation and add this great item to your arsenal.

This next EDC flashlight we will review is all about functionality and not so much about rough conditions. With the Olight S1 Baton XM-L2 EDC Flashlight you will get plenty of modes but that’s why you should be willing to pay a little more money.

The Led light is Cree XM-L2 CW with a maximum output of 500 lumens. This is pretty bright, yes, and here we should advise you to avoid direct eye contact with the lens during work. The lowest output mode will give you about 40 hours of battery life. Since we mentioned battery, keep in mind that you need just one but it has to be either CR123A or RCR123 battery.

Now let’s take a dive into the modes as they are quite diverse. You get 3 regular modes and 3 sort of special ones. The flashlight can work at 8, 80 or 500 lumens – these are the 3 main modes. But in all fairness, you will unlikely find yourself in a situation needing all 500 of these lumens.

If you press and hold the button you will access “moonlight mode which works at only 0.5 lumens. A triple click will get you into Strobe mode. During “on” mode a double click activates timer mode. Two blinks give you 3 minutes and three blinks give you 9 minutes. This is excellent when you want to save some battery time and plan your work accordingly.

The back side of the body is a magnet. This will allow you to stick the flashlight to a metal surface and continue working. This is basically a “hands-free” method.

PROS:

Very bright

Portable

Various working modes

Has a magnet

CONS:

Above average price

Battery is not as common

Short but bulky

Too bright

Related: Always have power in your flashlight by opting for the Olight 650mAh Lithium-Ion Batteries. The set includes two of them and they come from the same brand as your flashlight for maximum compatibility. They come with a short circuit protection along with an overcharge protection. The lifespan of these batteries is about 500 charge cycles.

The first thing that impresses you about this next EDC flashlight on our list is definitely the body of the item. The Fenix E12 Flashlight features a checkered tube so that you can maintain a nice grip on it. This makes it perfect for those survival situations in which you either do not wear gloves or your fingers are greasy.

The Cree XP-E2 LED bulb is powered by only a single AA battery. The lifespan of your LED bulb is about 50 000 hours. In other words, forever. There are three main settings which define the output. At maximum, you get 130 lumens out of your flashlight but this is rarely used. It also kills your battery pretty quickly – an hour and a half.

50 lumens would be the medium mode which is also the most popular one among users. There you get about six and a half hours of battery life and a very decent level of brightness. This mode is perfectly suitable for any project you have at hand. Finally, with the lowes output, you receive 8 lumens for more than 40 hours.

This low mode should not be underestimated by any means. It is great for longer projects or if you want to follow a trail at night. If you get lost or do not know how long you will be out, this mode will be a lifesaver.

The button to change the modes is located at the back. You can cycle through them all just by pressing it. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot else to mention about this flashlight. It is really a bare-boned flashlight to use during a survival situation. You might be able to find more versatile items in that price range.

PROS:

Huge lifespan of the bulb

Requires just one common battery

Textured body

CONS:

Only 3 modes

Not very versatile

A little pricey for what it offers

Related: If your projects often require you to use both hands and needing light at the same time, combine your Fenix flashlight with the Fenix Flashlight Headband. This outstanding accessory even comes with EdisonBright Battery case. This storage compartment is completely waterproof ensuring you will never run out of power for your flashlight during an outing.

Again, we will review one pretty plain EDC flashlight but an argument can be made that it presents you with some excellent value for your money. The ThorFire TG06S Flashlight is a handy little companion for everyday use but cannot be used in a number of specific situations.

The set also includes two spare O-rings which many users find convenient. The body has textured as well smooth parts. As far as the clip goes, it is a reversible one and is made out of stainless steel. It is very well attached so you shouldn’t expect it to come off by accident.

The silicone switch gives you a really nice feel. If you do a half-press you can go through all the modes of the flashlight. In addition to the 3 main levels, you also have a strobe mode and a ”moonlight” mode. A slight drawback is that the “moonlight” mode is actually too strong.

There are two sources of power that you can use. One of them is a regular AA battery and the other one is a premium 14 500 battery. The maximum lumens you will get out of this flashlight are 500. That’s a lot for such an inexpensive item. It is also waterproof.

PROS:

Inexpensive

Reversible clip

Waterproof

CONS:

Not many extra characteristics

Unlikely to be used in “high” mode

Related: Having spare batteries for your EDC flashlight often means regular visits to the store. Skip that by ordering the SmartLive Charger which also comes with 6 Li-ion batteries of the 14 500 type. The device itself can charge up to 2 batteries at the same time. Its capacity is 2000 mAh and the output is 4.2 V.

If you thought you cannot get a flashlight with a number of nice features for under $15 then think again. The J5 Tactical V1-PRO Ultra Bright Flashlight will provide you with a number of cool perks when looking to upgrade your EDC kit.

While the modes are nothing impressive – 2 main ones and a Strobe mode, you do get something pretty useful with this flashlight. It has a focus function which is accessed through the free-falling slide. This way you can have a wide or tight beam of light. Of course distance also matters and your beam will get dispersed the further from your target you stand.

The body is composed of a high-quality metal with good grip. However, the flashlight heats up a lot. It also has a sturdy belt clip which will not let you down. On the back side, you will find a rubber on/off button. The flashlight is powered by a single AA battery or a 14 500 one.

It also has a convex lens that allows for a better focus of the light beam. You will get 300 lumens at maximum output. According to the description, the item is also waterproof although we wouldn’t recommend using it heavily in such environment.

PROS:

Great price

Focus

Good grip

Convex lens

CONS:

Heats up

Not reliable when submerged

Only 2 main modes

Related: Hard EVA Travel Case is specifically made for the J5 Tactical Flashlight. This nice item will allow you to always have your EDC flashlight tucked under your belt for easy access. Additionally, the case will protect the J5 tactical from any damage while not in use. As the name suggests, the material of the case is EVA.

The next EDC flashlight that we are going to review will set you back ten times more money than the previous one listed above. The SureFire P2X Fury LED Flashlight is by far the most expensive item in our guide it is our goal to determine whether it is worth it.

At first glance, it is a little hard to make a case that this flashlight is really going to be worth all that money. As far as functions and perks go, it not only doesn’t have an edge over the other flashlights, but it actually falls back.

The flashlight is a 100% Waterproof to the IPX8 standard. The body isn’t exactly checkered but is somewhat textured for a better grip. It does come with a battery and has dual output – 2 modes. And that’s it, nothing more than that.

If we mention quality, though, this flashlight wins in a landslide. It is USA made and the LED emitter is virtually indestructible. This flashlight can be used in the toughest of conditions. What’s more is that its 600 lumens of maximum output are brighter than the 800 lumens of a Chinese made flashlight.

You get no strobe, no clip with it but you sure get one of the most durable flashlights out there. The brand is well-known and everything about this item is of the highest quality. Yes, you only get a low and a high mode so if you are looking for something to help you with a project in your garage, then that’s not it. If you are a hardcore survival enthusiast, then the SureFire P2X Fury Dual-Output LED Flashlight is worth the investment.

PROS:

Top quality

Durable

USA made

Comes with a battery

CONS:

Expensive

Not a lot of extra things

Not many modes

Related: Storage is rather important when you have such an expensive flashlight with you out there but we aren’t necessarily talking about a case for your flashlight only. Get the Thyrm CellVault XL which is an attachable, waterproof portable storage container. It is perfect for spare batteries or other critical EDC gear. Have all the small but important parts with you out there and be prepared for any survival situation.

There is something specific that you feel the moment you get to know the Streamlight ProTac Professional Tactical Flashlight. It is clear that the designers wanted to have you prepared for any self-defense or emergency situation in which you might end up needing an EDC flashlight.

Let’s begin by saying that this flashlight is by no means cheap. You pay good money for a very versatile flashlight. Along with the three output modes, you also get a strobe mode which is nothing exclusive, indeed. However, you have various ways of cycling through the modes and the item is fairly easy to operate with quick response time.

The 350 lumens are enough to blind someone as a self-defense but other than that you might not end up using this mode. However, since we mentioned being prepared, the battery and power are where this flashlight really shines.

It can run on three battery types – AA, Li-ion or AA Lithium batteries. The best part is that they all fit in there without the need of an adaptor of sorts. What is truly useful is the chart on the back of the package. It will allow you to see the energy consumption of each battery type along with the capabilities of the flashlight when a respective battery is used.

Oh, and the set also includes an AA and a Li-ion battery as you buy it. It is shockproof, aluminum build and has a clip.

PROS:

Light beam cuts through fairly easily

Comes with 2 batteries

Supports 3 types of batteries

Can last 1.5 hours at 350 lumens

CONS:

Higher than average price

Might be too heavy

Related: In case you struggle to make your flashlight stationary and having it in a certain position when you work with both of your hands, buy the Magpul Industries Light Mount V-Block and Rings. This useful kit of small parts will stabilize your flashlight and will hold it in place against any branch or table. The mount allows for versatility and the size of your flashlight basically doesn’t matter.

If you expected us to close our list with a bang, you might end up being somewhat disappointed. This is not to say that the EagleTac D25C Clicky Cool LED Flashlight isn’t any good but it means that for that price, it will not likely offer you anything very special.

It does come with a lanyard and a nice pouch made out of Velcro, leather, and nylon. Additionally, the flashlight is pretty compact and will fit in a palm. The beam should be able to cover a distance of about 300 ft which is fairly decent when used during an outing.

There are 3 main modes and 3 “special” ones. At “high”, the maximum output you will get is 453 lumens. One of the “special” modes is the “moonlight” mode with just 1 lumen. It is not specifically mentioned why the other 2 “special” modes are strobe modes. You get a normal strobe mode and one pretty rapidly blinking one.

A significant drawback is the fact that this flashlight supports only one type of a battery – CR123A Li-ion. This sort of takes away some of the versatility of the item and renders it not exceptionally useful in a tough survival situation.

As far as value for money goes, you definitely won’t find a lot with this flashlight in hand.

PROS:

The set includes nice additions

Decent beam distance

Compact

A number of modes

CONS:

Pricey for what it offers

Pretty plain, bear-boned flashlight

Related: If portability is your thing, then your EDC kit will look awesome with the Spyderco Dragonfly Plain Edge Knife. This is an incredibly small tool with its 5.5 inches overall length when unfolded. Whenever you need to cut something light really quickly or carve a little piece of wood, then this little companion will always be there for you. The handle is made out of nylon and is reinforced with fiberglass.

Wrapping up

Well, there it is – that was our guide to buying if not the best, at least the most suitable EDC flashlight out there. Hopefully, the variety of items we have selected in terms of properties and pricing have really answered your expectations and have helped you determine which device would be suitable for your projects and hobbies.

The bottom line is to realize that an EDC kit is simply not complete without a portable flashlight. Why not make your life easier since you are given the opportunity exactly for that? What do you think – which one is the best EDC flashlight? Leave us a comment and let us know!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rita Warfield

Fully passionate about the outdoors and totally committed to a life of exploration and learning, Rita is the perfect guide when it comes to choosing the right gear for your adventures. She gathered years of practical experience in testing her survival skills and knowledge in a wide range of difficult situations but she is also a passionate mountain climber. Even more, Rita loves hunting, she knows her way around a weapon, and she doesn’t back off in a difficult situation.

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